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MLB Off-season Thread 2015-2016 IOTI Back to the Future was a lie
- Thread starter CreeperBlocks
- Start date
There goes Soler.
Cubs far from Dodgers West. They are actually being smart about these contracts. Have a ton of cost control in young players.
Frozenprince
Banned
They probably, and rightfully, balked at the AAV and figured they could spend that money better supplementing the back end of the rotation and adding some decent bats.
I think he is as well. I just didn't expect it. The last reported AAV I saw was 24/25.
MultiJhonny
Banned
Fuck I always forget he is only 26. He is just hitting his prime.
I haven't heard 31 AAV from any Cubs or national sources yet and I'm refreshing about 3 different pages (plus have Twitter open).
Frozenprince
Banned
Yeah I figured the years would be high to mitigate the AAV, less than $200? Steal.
BFIB
Member
Its not over yet. We still won 100 games minus some big pieces last season. Cards could literally do nothing and still keep pace with the Cubs.
But its clear that the Cubs are the go-to destination right now. Heyward wants to be a big part of history up there, its an easy sell for Theo to make.
MultiJhonny
Banned
Cubs are going full MLB the Show
Frozenprince
Banned
Not gonna lie, I wanted this to happen for the sole reason of pissing off #BestFans
XiaNaphryz
LATIN, MATRIPEDICABUS, DO YOU SPEAK IT
Frozenprince
Banned
this one's my favourite I think lol. #Cespedes #Cueto
LOL yeah sign Cespedes to play anything other than left, that'll work out.
Little Green Yoda
Member
The Cubs finished three games back in the standings. Lackey and Heyward jumping ship closes that gap and more. Base Runs liked the Cubs more last year. Cubs look like they're still looking for upgrades. We've already lost a big piece in Lynn and its not even spring training yet.
Losing Heyward to the Cubs was the nightmare scenario and it'll be a tough hill to climb in the near future unless the Cubs implode because they're the Cubs.
I think it hurts a bit more than that since Heyward and Lackey were two of the Cardinals' best players (in terms of WAR in 2015 they were #1 and #3) and now they're on the Cubs.
I do agree it's baseball and anything can happen, and the Cardinals will still be a pretty good team when the dust settles after this off-season. They'll make some moves to get better.
Yeah, the young cubs surely won't improve over last year....
captmcblack
Member
Fuck goddamn...Cubs are *heavy* right now. Excellent signings, and they still have all of their trade chips.
Also, anyone want a slightly irregular (but still in good condition) Brett Gardner? Please...Yankees will take anything
Also, anyone want a slightly irregular (but still in good condition) Brett Gardner? Please...Yankees will take anything
Frozenprince
Banned
BFIB
Member
Yep, this is a vastly different FO than the Cards are used to dealing with in the NL Central. The Cubs are a legitimate powerhouse, and the Cards are going to have to really be aggressive on the market (which they're not used to) and changing their tactics on the market to stay competitive. Classic Theo is driving up the price and poaching the competition. Nothing wrong with that at all, but the Cards can't do the "we felt we were the right fit" and the "we'll keep the powder keg dry" jargon that Cards FO has thrown out before.
Totally different game now., but the Cards are far from sunk. They'll be fine.
Fuck goddamn...Cubs are *heavy* right now. Excellent signings, and they still have all of their trade chips.
Also, anyone want a slightly irregular (but still in good condition) Brett Gardner? Please...Yankees will take anything
What for any more, to sign Justin and Melvin?
BTW, I never had any real illusion of signing J-Hey.
CosmicQueso
Member
There's just SO MUCH to unpack here. Glorious.
Dmncnby2k9
Banned
nice get for the Cubbies, Heyward is only 26, fits the young core nicely.
Can't be greedy.
orthodoxy1095
Banned
I really don't buy that. When everyone is getting better, you need to as well. They were what, 3 games back? We've lost a lot, and we've still got holes to fill.
Frozenprince
Banned
You literally could not draw up a more perfect player for what our teams #1 need is.
A 26 year old 6 WAR outfielder. That's something that hits FA once every ten years. MAYBE.
He's the PERFECT player for us.
And we didn't even make an offer. The Wilpon's are a joke, we won't be consistently competitive until they die or sell the team.
Rizzo's actually 1 day older than Heyward.
Edit:
https://twitter.com/GDubCub/status/675389002837573632
That's an excellent deal for the Cubs if true (given the current price of a win)... and those will be Heyward's peak years.
BFIB
Member
Keep in mind the Cubs didn't have near the injury concerns that the Cards deal with last year. Take away Arrietta, Rizzo, lose your 7th and 8th BP arms, and tell me the Cubs still win as many games.
Little Green Yoda
Member
It's silly to think the injury pendulum will swing the other way any time soon though. Our team is older and our staff has more injury history.
Anything can happen because baseball but on paper, the Cubs are significantly better than us right now. Especially if Russell, Bryant, Schwarber take steps forward.
Frozenprince
Banned
THE FUCK CAN THE METS NOT AFFORD THIS?
Ugh. Absolute steal.
Little Green Yoda
Member
More like how did the Cards not match this? Heyward must really like Chicago or the Cards folded way too early.
HarryDemeanor
Member
Friedgod did the right thing.
Frozenprince
Banned
Theo probably folded and gave him the optout.
BFIB
Member
I'm not disagreeing, I just don't think the Cards are going suddenly regress either. Its been a rough offseason, especially considering a year ago we were dealing with how to address Taveras loss, which seems like a distant memory right now.
If the Cards sign Gordon, get an innings eater to replace those innings we're losing from Lynn, I still think its a dogfight for the NL Central. Plus, the Cards have a lot of money to spend. Waino, Holliday, and Molina are off the books, the Cards could easily unload on a number of premiere players on the market.
Supposedly the Cards offered a club record breaking contract.
http://m.stltoday.com/sports/baseba...tterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&mobile_touch=true
The Twins have been runners up on a couple left handed relievers, so the offseason has been a blast here.
Pirates are going to take a step back next season anyways.
Frozenprince
Banned
The Mets got two utility infielders who can't actually play the IF anymore.
So yeah life is great here too.
Little Green Yoda
Member
Taveras' death really kicked up a shitstorm, didn't it?
What premiere players are you looking at? If we aren't willing to top 8/185 or whatever for Heyward, there's little chance they'll be outbidding everybody else for Otani, Harper, etc.
Corran Horn
May the Schwartz be with you
I can't decide who already won the world series, cubs or dbacks.
orthodoxy1095
Banned
I still see the scourge of injury looming over us though. I think it puts us in a tough spot with them improving this much.
Will be the first time two NL teams meet in the WS. That's how good they are.